Kris' Corner -- Part 1 -- Your first mod

[kr1s]

So last night, I was reading Sport Rider magazine and the editorial this month spoke of what you can do in these financially tight times. They mainly looked at taking your bike to a shop.

Well then what's with the threads title? I've done writing before and heck, I'm trying to get a gig as a freelance at a couple of places to toss out an article a month (I'm going to try it out here to see if anyone digs it -- Sorry Gear Head for using your forum for practice but it has relevance!) I'm not all knowing but I have been around the block a little....I have written numerous "How-To's" for cars and bikes, and figured I could toss out information for everyone. So with that, I think each week I am going to start a new thread with something that can help all of us....Whether or not you agree with me is up to you, but there will ultimately be a point.

So this week -- Your first mod!

Bicho is the lucky poster who inspired me to write this, as well as Sport Rider -- to which I wrote a letter to them, let's see if it gets published. While Bicho is no novice to riding, I am. Only 3 years of solid riding for me save for some time in the saddle when I was younger but nothing that was on going.

So you picked up your bike and you are looking online for your first mod! Everyone wants something whether a little more harmonious sound from the exhaust or a little more kick in the pants from the engine, everyone wants something and I have only seen a few bikes for sale in my searches that did not have some kind of modification. Your first one should be the "best" one. For me and all others, I recommend a factory service manual (FSM)...mainly inspired by Sport Rider but also by Bicho's thread.

$29 mentioned some mods in Bicho's thread and it is all true. Wheels, etc. get you going and skill is something that is always changing. A FSM as many of you know is the same thing that the mechanics use to work on your bike. Everything can be found in the manual from torque specs to fluid capacities. The value of the manual is limitless. For $60 or so, it is a great addition to/for your bike.

The FSM will end the end save you money and also help legitimize your favorite shop. For the basics, a slip on requires a few simple hand tools. A new air cleaner is a little more in depth as the filter on sportbikes are usually under the gas tank. You want to make sure you can make the air filter change less time consuming. All of your basic modding can be done in your own garage using a FSM and your toolbox. Even if you wanted to tear the engine down, this manual will guide you through it.

As mentioned earlier, the FSM can also keep your favorite shop honest. I find many shops, cars and bikes alike usually average between $70 and $90 per hour. This is a pretty steep labor charge given the circumstances of our financial situation right now. Even in a solid economy, it is always sobering to know that you can take your scoot in without worry. If your mechanic tells you that your flux capacitor is acting up and needs replaced at $400; your FSM can help facilitate your decision as to whether or not you want your mechanic to proceed, or if it is a procedure you would like to attempt at home.

Regardless if you are modding your bike or just love to ride, a factory service manual can keep you riding stronger for longer and is a must have purchase with your new scoot. We should all be doing our pre-ride inspections and this manual gives you a more in depth look of what you should be looking for.

So, I hope that this helps veteran and new riders alike. Next week I will have another write up that hopefully we can benefit from!

Kris

[Bicho]

Wow you need a Job / a Life,, to long to read ,,,I rather read all 7 Harry Pothead books....Sorry

[kr1s]

Originally Posted by Bicho

Wow you need a Job / a Life,, to long to read ,,,I rather read all 7 Harry Pothead books....Sorry

Pecker!

[Bicho]

Originally Posted by kr1s

Pecker!

Dork

[kr1s]

This will be helpful for SOMEONE....If just one person! Next time I will put pictures up instead!

[SecondChance99]

Nice write up, Kr1s, looking forward to the next one!
Oh, I have a lollipop for you, lol.

[JayDouble]

you got skills man. i cant help but think FSM=Flying Spaghetti Monster for some reason. but yea, the fsm should be the first thing you get for your bike. you can really save yourself a lot of scratch by doing basic maintenance yourself.